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Written by Tanner Hood

Impact that inspires change. That’s the idea and theme Alabama Farmers Federation Ag Leadership Programs Director Hunter McBrayer wanted attendees to embrace at the 2024 Alfa Youth Leadership Conference Nov. 4-5.

Over 80 Alabama high school freshmen and sophomores spent time at the conference developing essential skills to carry back to their homes, schools and communities. For Chambers County’s Micah Williams, this was an opportunity he couldn’t pass up. 

Williams is a student at Valley High School and will be attending the youth leadership conference 

Students spent two days at the Alabama 4-H Center in Columbiana participating in team development activities, learning leadership lessons from expert speakers Rhett Laubach and Alfa Insurance Leadership Consultant Nicole Pinkham, and building lifelong relationships. 

“You were chosen to be here because someone saw something in you and believed in you,” Pinkham said.

Attendees also put their leadership skills into action. They participated in a character-building service project assembling toys to be given as Christmas presents to Children’s of Alabama patients. 

McBrayer said he hopes the activities show students how their impact can inspire change in those around them. 

“We have a responsibility to educate and help our young people grow,” McBrayer said. “We want to encourage our students to wake up every day and choose to be better. They are our future, and their success will affect us for years to come.”